A prolific poet of the 9th century, Ilanko Adigal is credited with the writing of 'Chilappatikaram,' one of the great epics in
Tamil. Though born amid luxuries, he gave up all those amenities and joined a monastery at Thirukunavayil.
Chilappatikaram depicts the story of Kovalan and Kannaki, which also includes the portrayal of the three royal houses of Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas.
